How to Change Dimension Text Size in AutoCAD 2017?

Steps to Adjust Dimension Text Size in AutoCAD 2017

Modifying dimension text size in AutoCAD 2017 is essential for achieving clarity and precision in your drawings. Whether you need to increase or decrease the text size, follow these detailed steps.

Accessing the Dimension Style Manager

1. Open AutoCAD: Make sure your drawing file is active.
2. Navigate to the Annotate Tab: Click on the ‘Annotate’ tab located in the ribbon at the top of the application.
3. Open Dimension Style Manager: Find the ‘Dimension’ panel and select the small arrow or the icon labeled ‘Dimension Style’. This opens the Dimension Style Manager.

Selecting and Modifying a Dimension Style

1. Choose Existing Style: In the Dimension Style Manager dialog, browse through the list of styles available. Select the one you wish to modify by clicking on it.
2. Modify Style: Click the ‘Modify’ button, which opens the Modify Dimension Style dialog box.

Adjusting Text Height

1. Navigate to the Text Tab: In the Modify Dimension Style dialog, find and click on the ‘Text’ tab.
2. Select Text Style: You’ll see a section for Text Appearance. Here, you can either choose a different text style or adjust the current one.
3. Set Text Height: If the selected text style does not have a fixed height, type in your desired text height in the ‘Text Height’ field. This value should reflect the scale of your project. If fixed height is already set and not to your liking, consider switching to a text style where this option is adjustable.
4. Confirm Changes: Once you’ve set the height to your preference, click ‘OK’ to save your adjustments.

Applying the Dimension Style

1. Return to the Dimension Style Manager: After making your changes, ensure that you exit the Modify Dimension Style dialog by clicking ‘Close’.
2. Apply Changes: Back in the Dimension Style Manager, click ‘Set Current’ to apply the modified style to your drawing.
3. Finalize: Click ‘Close’ again to exit the Dimension Style Manager. The changes you made will now reflect in your dimensions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixed Text Height Problems

• If you notice that the text height appears grayed out, it may indicate that your chosen text style has a fixed height. In such cases, you can either change it by selecting a new text style or adjusting the fixed height to zero (0) within the Text Style dialog.

Checking Text Size

• If dimension text appears smaller than expected, inspect the dimension text height in the text tab of the Dimension Style Manager. Adjust accordingly to ensure it meets your visual standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply different text sizes for different dimensions in the same drawing?
Yes, you can create multiple dimension styles with varying text heights and apply each style to different dimensions as needed.

2. What is the default text height in AutoCAD for dimensions?
The default text height can vary, but it typically starts at 0.180 inches. However, it’s recommended to set it to a more suitable height based on your project’s standards.

3. How do I unlock the text size if it is set to a fixed value?
To unlock the text size, access the Text Styles dialog from the settings, select the relevant style, and set the height to 0. This adjustment allows for flexible text sizing in dimensions.